Art frame assembly

ABSTRACT

An art frame assembly made of four aluminum extrusions having identical transverse cross sections where the art object is retained in the frame by extruded plastic retainer clips of a particular construction. In the fully assembled frame, the clips are stressed with one end of the clip releasably locked in a cooperating portion of the frame and the other end of the clip engaging the art object. Extruded plastic spacer strips can be mounted on the frame to provide a shadow box effect where desired. Modified retainer clips are used to mount objects of different thicknesses and depending on whether the shadow box spacer is used.

United States Patent Sharron ART FRAME ASSEMBLY Paul A. Sharron,Windsor, Ontario, Canada [73] Assignee: Profab, Inc., River Rouge, Mich.[22] Filed: Aug. 3, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 60,519

[72] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl .L ..40/152.l [51] Int. Cl. ..G09f 1/12 [58] Field ofSearch..52/475;40/l52, 156, 152.1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,581,843 1/1952 Edwards..40/l56 2,075,588 3/1937 Meyers ..40/l52 2,882,633 4/1959 Howell.40/156 3,039,217 6/1962 Stefanak .;.....40/152 [451 June 13, 19723,310,901 3/1967 Sarkisian ..40/l56 Primary Examiner-Lawrence CharlesAssistant Eraminer--Wenceslao J. Contreras Attorney-Bames, Kisselle,Raisch & Choate 1 ABSTRACT An art frame assembly made of four aluminumextrusions having identical transverse cross sections where the artobject is retained in the frame by extruded plastic retainer clips of aparticular construction. In the fully assembled frame, the clips arestressed with one end of the clip releasably locked in a cooperatingportion of the frame and the other end of the clip engaging the anobject. Extruded plastic spacer strips can be mounted on the frame toprovide a shadow box effect where desired. Modified retainer clips areused to mount objects of different thicknesses and depending on whetherthe shadow box spacer is used.

22 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUH 13 m2 SHEET 2 [IF 3 INVENTORPAUL A. SHARRON FIG. 11 BY I ATTORNEYS ART FRAME ASSEMBLY Metallic artframes such as extruded aluminum frames are aesthetically desirable fordisplaying certain flat art objects, particularly contemporary art.However, prior art metal frames lack versatility and limit the manner inwhich the art work can be displayed with a given frame construction. Theconstruction of prior art metal frames is normally intended to displaythe art work in a given position relative to the v different frameconstructions with prior art frames is inefficient and expensive tomanufacture andinventory.

Prior art metal frames use rather inefi'lcient techniques for retainingthe art object. It is conventional to assemble art work in prior artmetal frames by first assembling three sides of the frame, sliding'theart work in place and then attaching-the fourth side of the frame.Another conventionalway of retaining the art work in place in prior. artmetal frames requires screw fasteners or the like. Parts of the frame orthe fasteners may get lost or may be damaged beyond use and carefulalignment of parts may be necessary. Many prior art assembly andmounting techniques are time consuming and-particularly annoying if theframe must be disassembled, for example, where the art it tilted, notcentered or wrinkled during-assembly or where the frame is later'usedfor displaying a different art object. Where the art is framed bysliding it in place and then attaching the fourth side of the frame, itis extremely difficult to remove the fourth side of the frame withoutdamaging the frame or the art work with a least one such frame presentlysold commercially.

Among the objects of the present invention are to provide an art frameassembly, and parts thereof, that can be manufactured and inventoriedeconomically; that are versatile and can be used to display art objectsof different thicknesses and in different ways; that are simple toassemble and disassemble and hence can be shipped or inventoried brokendown, or fully or partially assembled, or the partscut to size asrequired depending on the customers requirements; that achieve highlyeffective retention of the art work in the frame; and/or thatprovide anattractive and effective frame for art objects in a wide variety offraming applications.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent in connection with the following description, theappended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: I 8

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the art frame of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the art frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary rear view illustrating an eyelet onthe frame;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on lines 4 4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section through the top of the frame andillustrating the interior of a side;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a corner clip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the eyelet;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view generally corresponding to that in FIG. 4 butillustrating a retainer clip in an unstressed condition just prior toassembly;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the clip in adifferent position compared to FIG. 8 to better illustrate the relativedimensions of the parts;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view to illustrate a leg onthe clip locked in the frame;

FIG. 11 is a'view illustrating distortion of the clip during removalfrom the frame;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the use of ashadow box spacer in the frame of FIG. 1;

FIG..13 is a sectional view through the frame and the spacer of'FlG. I2;I

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary section at lines -l4-I4 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a stillfunherembodiment of the present inventionutilizing the frame and a modified clip for a thicker an object; and

FIG. 16 is afragmentary sectional view illustrating a still furtherembodiment of the present invention using the clip illustrated in FIG.15 and the spacer of FIG. I3-with a canvas painting on a stretcherframe.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings, a rectangular frame 16comprises a pair of top and bottom frame members 18, 20 and a pair ofside members 22, 24, each of which is joined to its adjacent member by apair of corner spring clips 26. Art work designated generally at 28 ismounted in frame 16 and held in place by a plurality of retainer clips30 that releasably engaged in the frame members. Frame 16 isconveniently hung by'means of a wire 32 fastened at opposite ends oneyelets 34 which are engaged in respective frame sides 22, 24.

Each of the frame members 18, 20, 22, 24 are extruded aluminum and haveidentical transverse cross sections. I-Ience only the cross section ofthe side member 24 will be described in greater detail in connectionwith FIG. 4. Side 24 includes a front run 36 having a flat front'face 38and a right-angled flange 40 that both extend the full length of the run36. Flange 40 projects rearwardly ofthe frame and positions the art work28. The front run 36 also has a longitudinal rib 42 that extends thefull length thereof. Rib 42 projects in a direction rearwardly of theframe and is spaced slightly inwardly of a side run 44. Run 44 has anintegral T-shaped rib 46 and an integral boss 48 having a forwardlyprojecting lug or rib 50. Rib 46 and boss 48 extend longitudinally thefull length of the side run 44. The T-shaped rib 46 is spaced rearwardlyfrom the front run 36 and cooperates with rib 42 to form a keyway 52.Boss 48 is spaced rearwardly of the rib 46 to form a second keyway 54.Boss 48 has a longitudinal keyhole-shaped slot 64 that opens in adirection rearwardly of the frame atan ensmalled neck 66 forming anundercut shoulder 68. At the slot 66, the inner face of side run 44 isgradually curved outwardly and rearwardly at a shoulder 70. Run 44extends rearwardly from shoulder 70 along a flat face 71. i

Each of the corner clips 26 is pressed into a respective keyway 52, 54at the comers of the members 18, 20, 22, 24. Clips 26 are held firmly inplace by lanced spring fingers 56 to provide a rigid frame assembly.Eyelet 34 has two flat legs 60 slideably retained in keyway 54. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the position of the eyelets 34 vertically of thesides 22, 24 is fixed by engagement between wire 32 and two of theretainer clips 30. Hence the position can be adjusted by selecting thelength and location of the two clips 30. Additionally, the upper limitof travel of eyelets 34 in keyway 54 is limited by the corner clips 26at a position just below the top frame member 18 as illustrated inbroken lines in FIG. 5. This position of the eyelets 34 is normally asatisfactory position for many applications. The location of eyelets 34between the front and rear of the frame allows the frame to be mountedflush with a wall.

Clip 30 has a generally squared-off, U-shaped transverse cross sectionillustrated in FIG. 4. More particularly, clip 30 comprises a forwardprojecting leg 72 joined at elbow 82 to a lateral bight portion 74 whichin turn is joined at elbow 84 to a forward projecting leg 76. Leg 72 hasa beaded free end 78 which projects forwardly of the frame through neck66 and into slot 64 beneath the undercut shoulder 68. A longitudinal rib80 on the leg 72 projects outwardly of the frame into engagement withface 71 and is disposed approximately midway between the free end 78 andelbow 82. As will be described in greater detail, rib 80 causes the freeend 78 to cant under the shoulder 68 to retain clip 30 on the sidemember 24. The bight portion 74 extends inwardly of the frame from elbow82 flush with the back of the side run 44. Leg 76 has a short, straightrun from bight 74, then curves gradually outwardly from the leg 72 in adirection toward the opposite side wall frame member 22 and terminatesat the free end 86 engaged with the back face of the art object 28.

With clip 30 in the position illustrated in FIG. 4, leg 76 is flexed ina direction inwardly of the frame away from the side run 44 with elbows82, 84 also being slightly flexed. This stresses clip 30 in such a wayas to maintain the free end 78 engaged under shoulder 68 and urge thebeaded end 86 tightly against the art object 28. The stress in clip 30creates a moment about the pivot point defined between the point ofengagement between rib 80 and face 71 in a clockwise direction as willbe more apparent from FIGS. 8-10 to keep leg 72 locked in place. Asshown in FIG. 8, clip 30 is extruded with a slight outward curvature inleg 76, a slight acute included angle at elbow 82 and a slight obtuseincluded angle at elbow 84. When clip 30 is unflexed and merely restingon the art object 28, the free end 78 of the leg 72 is not locked undershoulder 68. This relationship is achieved by properly locating the rearsurface 88 of the object 28. When force is applied in the downwarddirection as viewed in FIG. 8, as at the elbow 82 as illustrated by thearrow, the free end 78 will move downwardly as viewed in FIG. 8 into theslot 64. Simultaneously, leg 76 will tend to slide inwardly of the framein a direction away from the side run 44 until the free end 78 bottomsin slot 64. Clip 30 distorts slightly by flexing at leg 76 and elbow 82and to a lesser extent at elbow 84 .with the spring action of the clipapplying a counterclockwise moment force on leg 72 at elbow 82. Hence asleg 72 moves into slot 64, the leg pivots slightly about the point ofengagement between the rib 80 and face 71 in a generallycounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8 due to thecounterclockwise moment applied to leg 72. Leg 72 cannot move rearwardlystraight out of the slot 64 because the projected dimension of leg 72measured from the tip of rib 80 to just under shoulder 68 exceeds thedimension at neck 66.

If the object 28 is not thick enough to get the necessary stress in clip30,a convenient shim can be added. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, theillustrated art object 28 comprises a thin, flat sheet such as a print90 mounted on a rigid thicker backing 92. In order to obtain thenecessary thickness, a separate flat shim such as a sheet of cardboard94 or the like is sandwiched between backing 92 and the beaded free end86.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, when the free end 78 bottoms inslot 64 under shoulder 68, elbow 82 is engaged against face 71, but thislatter engagement is not essential. Shoulder 70 tends to cam the innerfree end 78 inwardly ofthe frame under shoulder 68. The longitudinaledge on boss 48, between shoulder 68 and neck 66, may be sharply definedto assist in retaining the free end 78 under the shoulder 68. However,this is not essential to an effective locking of leg 72 in boss 48.

In the preferred embodiment, clip 30 is an extruded plastic materialhaving properties selected based on the clip dimensions to provide thenecessary stiffness to leg 72 while permitting slight resilient flectureof leg 76 and slight resilient flecture at elbows 82, 84. The thicknessof clip 30 should be such that the relatively short leg 72 is relativelyrigid. Thus when the counterclockwise moment force is applied to leg 72at elbow 82, the free end 78 cannot flex in a clockwise directionsufficiently for leg 72 to move out from under shoulder 68. On the otherhand, the clip dimensions and properties of the extruded material shouldbe such as to allow slight flecture at elbows 82, 84 and allow leg 76 toflex slightly inwardly of the frame, in a generally counterclockwisedirection as viewed in FIG. 4 to provide the moment on leg 72. A clip 30of extruded rigid polyvinylchloride and dimensioned substantially asshown in FIG. 9 relative to slot 64 and shoulder 68 provides verysatisfactory results.

With clip 30 in the stressed condition illustrated in FIG. 4, it isextremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove the clip 30 by pullingrearwardly on the clip or by pulling leg 76 inwardly of the frame whileat the same time pulling on the clip in a direction rearwardly of theframe. Although it may not be readily apparent from a casual inspection,the construction of clip 30 described hereinabove provides an almostunbelievably effective lock with the frame. Clip 30 can be easilyremoved by merely pressing leg 76 in a direction outwardly of the frametoward the side run 44 as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 11. A forceapplied outwardly on leg 76 distorts clip 30 removing thecounterclockwise moment on leg 72 and urging clip 30 rearwardly. Leg 72moves toward the position illustrated in FIG. 9 until the free end 78clears shoulder 68 and leg 72 pops out of slot 64 as illustrated inbroken lines in FIG. 1 1.

Any suitable number of clips 30 may be used and the length of the clipsmay be selected to provide the desired retention. In the preferredembodiment, clips 30 are elongated strips so that a substantial area ofthe art object 28 is engaged by the free ends 86 of the clips. It willbe apparent, however, that the retainer clips 30 on the side of framemembers 22, 24 could be one elongated clip, particularly where eyelets34 bottom against spring clips 26 at the top of keyway 54. The presentinvention also contemplates relatively short clips having the transversecross section previously described. A plurality of such short clips canbe used along any one of the side members. However, the elongated clipsillustrated in FIG. 2 are preferred to minimize the steps necessary toassemble and disassemble the frame as well as provide a firmer, moreuniform pressure against the art object 28 over substantially the entireperiphery of the object. I

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the frame isconstructed of top, bottom and two side members identical to the sidemembers 18, 20, 22, 24 of FIG. 1. However, the art object 28' is mountedin frame 100 by means of four spacer strips 102 (only two of which arevisible) and modified retainer clips 104 to give a shadow box effect.Each of the strips 102 is longitudinally coextensive with its respectiveside member and has a generally blocked-S transverse cross section shownin FIG. 13. Strips 102 each have a return bent rear end 105 dimensionedto hook snugly over a forward lug 106 on rib 46 with a straight run 108resting snugly on the inner face of the rib. The run 108 joins a returnbent portion 110 having a flat face 112 that positions the art object28. From the return bent portion 110, spacer 102 has a straight run 113that extends parallel to the side run 44 from the art object 28' toflange 40. The front end 114 of run 112 fits closely with the flange 40and is retained in place by an integral spring leaf 116 engaged on theouter face of the flange 40. Leaf 116 extends the full length of thestrip. In the preferred embodiment, the spacer 102 is extruded ofsuitable plastic material such as rigid polyvinyl chloride. The strip102 is assembled on the frame member prior to mounting the art object28' by hooking the end 105 over rib 46 with the other end 114 inwardlyof the flange 40, i.e., toward the right of flange 40 as viewed in FIG.13. Run 113 is pressed in a direction outwardly of the frame toward theside run 44, toward the left as viewed in FIG. 13, to force leaf 116over the flange 40. As soon as the leaf 116 clears the flange 40, itsnaps back in place to retain the strip 102 on the frame. As illustratedin FIG. 14, it is necessary to trim away a short length of the returnbent portion 105 (as illustrated by the portion removed at 120) at eachend of the strip 102 so that the strip clears the comer clip 26. Thestrip 102 can be any selected color and provides a very neat andattractive shadow box framing effect.

The modified retainer clip 104 of FIG. 13 has a leg 122 that is shorterthan the corresponding leg 76 on the clip 30 to properly mount the artobject 28' when it is positioned on the strip 102. Except for the lengthof the leg 122, the clip 104 is substantially the same as clip 30 withcorresponding parts being identified by corresponding numerals. Clip 104operates in substantially the same manner as clip 30 to retain clip 104on the frame member 24 in a stressed condition and firmly mount the artobject 28. Hence the free end 78 of clip 104 is canted under theshoulder 68 by the rib 80 due to the moment at elbow 82 when leg 122 isflexed outwardly away from side run 44.

For example, the object 132 may be a collage ona board whose thicknessis'say over an inch. Object 134 is a canvas painting on a frame on theorder of one-half inch thick.

Clip 130 is an extruded length of suitable plastic material such asrigid polyvinyl chloride and comprises a locking leg 136 joined at elbow149 to a generally right-angled leg 138. The leg 136 has a slightlyinwardly curved free end 140 to assure that it engages under shoulder68. Leg l36also has a longitudinal rib 142 that pivots the free end 140under the shoulder 68 when the clip 130 is pressed in place in a mannersimilar to the rib 80 described in connection with FIGS. 8-10. Clip 13Qis illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 with the leg 138 in its flexedposition to stress the clip 130 so that the spring action applies acounterclockwise moment to the clip about rib 142 and/or the point atwhich elbow 149 engages face 71. The unflexed position of leg 138relative to the locking leg 136 is generally illustrated in broken linesin FIG. 16. Where legs 136, 138 are approximately the same length, leg136 should be relatively thick as compared to leg 138 so that when theclip 130 is pressed in place, flecture occurs in leg 138 and at juncture144 rather than in leg 136. The dimensions and rigidity of leg 136 areselected so that the free end 140 under shoulder 68 will not flex outfrom under shoulder 68. With the relatively thick leg 136 (FIG. 15), ascompared to leg 72 (FIG. 2), rib 142 is small compared to rib 80. Theclip 130 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 also includes a shorter rib 150that overlays the rear edge of the side run 44 to provide a slightlydifferent appearance at the rear face of the frame. Retention of theclip 130 on side 24 is also enhanced by the frictional engagementbetween the face 71 and leg 136at elbow 149.

With all of the clips described (clip 30, FIG. 4; clip 104, FIG. 13;clip 130, FIG. 15), the forces acting on the clip maintain the lowerfree end of theclip canted under the undercut shoulder 68 to secure theclip in its assembled condition. This canted orientation is achieved inpart by properly locating the longitudinal ribs (80, FIG. 2; 142, FIG.15) to obtain the leverage necessary to wedge the locking legs (72, FIG.2; 136, FIG. 15) under shoulder 68.1-Iowever, it will be apparent thatthe shape of the locking leg and rib could be modified whileretainingthe locking functionlof the arm wedged under the shoulder 68when the clip is stressed. Although the clip 130 does provide effectiveretention, it is slightly more difficult to remove as compared to theclips and 104. On the other hand, the clip 130 is intended for limiteduse in special applications as compared to the clips 30, 104.

It will be understood that the art frame assemblies have been describedhereinabove for purposes of illustration only and are not intended toindicate limits of the present invention, the scope of which is definedby the following claims.

lclaim:

1. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the likepresenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposedsides with atleast one of saidsides having abutment means thereon toengage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selectedposition relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame andkeeper means on said one side comprising a longitudinal slot in said oneside opening at a restricted neck in a direction facing away from saidother surface of said object, said one side having a face extending fromadjacent said neck in a direction away from said neck, said frameassembly further comprising at least one removable spring clip having afirst portion, a free end of which is inserted into said slot throughsaid neck with said first clip portion abutting said face at a firstpoint spaced from said neck in a direction away from'said slot to cantsaid free end under said neck to thereby removably engage said firstclip portion in said keeper means, said clip further having an integralsecond clip portion to engage said object at said other surface and anintegral third clip portion intermediate said first and second clipportions and wherein said clip is constructed to provide a spring actionin said clip so that when said clip is stressed with said second clipportion engaged with said object, said spring action urges said secondclip portion against said other surface of said object and keeps saidfirst clip portion canted underneath said neck and locked in said keepermeans.

2. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the likepresenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposedsides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon toengage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selectedposition relative to the front-to-reardimension of said frame and keepermeans on said one side comprising a-longitudinal slot in said one sideopening at a restricted neck, said one side having a face extending fromadjacent said neck in a direction away'from said neck, said frameassembly further comprising at least one removable spring clipinterengaged with-said one side and said object to retain said object inplace, said spring clip having a first portion, a free end of which isinserted into said groove through said neck with said first clip portionabutting said face at a first point spaced from said neck in a directionaway from said slot to cant said free end under said neck to therebyremovably engage said first clip portion in said keeper means.

said clip further having an integral second clip portion engaging saidobject at said other surface and an integral third clip portionintermediate said first and second clip portions that is stressed byengagement of said second clip-portion with said object to develop aspring action in said clip that urges said second clip portionagainstsaid other surface of said object and keeps said first clip portioncanted underneath said neck and locked in said keeper means.

3. The assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip has anelbowspaced from said free endand disposed outside said slot and saidfirst clip portion abuts said face at said first point intermediate saidfree end and said elbow.

4. The assemblyset forth in claim 3 wherein said first clip portion hasa protuberance thereon engaged with said face at said first point ofengagement. a

5. The assembly setforth in claim 4 wherein said first clip portionextends longitudinally of said one side and wherein said protuberancecomprises a rib which extends longitudinally of said one side. a I I I i6. The frame assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said protuberance isdisposed substantially midway between said elbow and said free end. Q

7 .The frame assembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said first clipportion also engages said side at said elbow.

' 8. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip has anelbow spaced from said free end and disposed outside said slot adjacentan' exterior edge of said one side and said clip has a straight portionextending'inwardly of said frame from said elbow in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to said frame and parallel to said othersurface.

9. The frame assembly set forth in claim 8 wherein said elbow isapproximately right angled and said straight portion of said clipengages said other surface of said object.

10. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip is returnbent from said first clip portion and has a second free end engagingsaid other side of said object.

11. vThe frame assembly set forth in claim 10. wherein said clip has agenerally U-shaped transverse cross section, said first clip portioncomprises a first leg of said U, said second clip portion comprises asecond leg of said U and said third clip portion comprises at least partof said first leg, said second leg and a bight portion joining saidfirst and second legs.

12. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said second leg islonger than said first leg a direction corresponding to thefront-to-rear dimension of said frame.

13. The frame assemblyset forth in claim 12 wherein said clip isstressed by flectureof said second leg in a direction inwardly of saidframe away from said first leg.

14. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said first leg andsaid bight portion are joined at a slightly acute included angle.

15. The frame assembly set forth in claim 14 wherein said second leg andsaid bight portion are joined at a slightly obtuse included angle.

16. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said second leg andsaid bight portion are joined at a slightly obtuse included angle.

17. The frame assembly set forth in claim 11 wherein said first leg issubstantially straight, said bight is substantially straight and whereinsaid second leg is curved outwardly in a direction away from said firstleg.

18. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said one surface ofsaid object is said front surface and wherein said abutment meanscomprises a rib at the front of said one side projecting in a directionrearwardly of said frame and abuting said front surface of said object.

19. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said one surface ofsaid object is said front surface and wherein said abutment meanscomprises a first rib at the front of said one side projecting in adirection rearwardly of said frame and an elongated spacer stripremovably fastened on said one side and disposed between said rib andsaid front surface of said object so as to mount said object rearwardlyof said rib in a shadow box fashion.

20. The frame assembly set forth in claim 19 wherein said one side has asecond rib extending longitudinally of said one side, said second ribhaving an integral flange projecting in a direction toward the front ofsaid frame, and wherein said spacer includes grooved means at therearward end of said spacer adapted to hook over said flange and meansalong the front edge of said spacer to releasably engage with said firstrib.

21. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the likepresenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposedsides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon toengage said front surface of said object and locate the object at aselected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame,said abutment means comprising a first rib at the front of said one sideprojecting in a direction rearwardly of said frame and an elongatedspacer strip removably fastened on said one side and disposed betweensaid rib and said front surface of said object so as to mount saidobject rearwardly of said rib in a shadow box fashion, said frameassembly further comprising at least one removable spring clipinterengaged with said one side and said object to retain said object inplace, said spring clip having a first portion removably engaged in acooperating keeper means on said one side, an integral second clipportion engaging said object at said back surface and an integral thirdclip portion intermediate said first and second clip portions that isstressed by engagement of said second clip portion with said object todevelop a spring action in said clip that keeps said first clip portionlocked in said keeper means and urges said second clip portion againstsaid back surface of said object.

22. A frame assembly containing an art object or the like comprising aframe having opposed sides, abutment means on at least one of said sidesto locate said object at a selected position relative to thefront-to-rear dimension of the frame, a slot in said one side, shouldermeans within said slot, and at least one removable spring clipinterengaged with said one side and with said object to retain saidobject in place, said spring clip having a first portion inserted intosaid slot with a free end of said first portion engaged with saidshoulder means, said first clip portion also contacting said one side ata pivot point spaced from said free end, and means for applying a momentforce to said first portion about said pivot point and in a direction tomaintain engagement between said free end and said shoulder means andthereby keep said free end within said slot, said moment applying meanscomprising a second portion of said clip integral with said firstportion and projecting laterally inwardl of said frame into engagementwith said ob ect, said secon clip portion being res: lently distortedfrom a normal condition by engagement with said object to develop saidmoment force.

* 4 l I l I and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shownbelow:

UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,668,799 Dated Jim 13, 1972 I fl Paul A. Sharron It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified patent Column 6,' line 21 (patentclaim 2) delete "groove" and insert in place thereof -slot-.

7 Signed and sealed this 9th day of April 1974.

.(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. C MARSHALL DANN I Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents FORM PO-IOSO (10 69.) USCOMWDC 603764,

1 ".5. GOVIRNHINT PRINTING OFFICE l9) 0-106-334

1. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the likepresenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposedsides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon toengage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selectedposition relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame andkeeper means on said one side comprising a longitudinal slot in said oneside opening at a restricted neck in a direction facing away from saidother surface of said object, said one side having a face extending fromadjacent said neck in a direction away from said neck, said frameassembly further comprising at least one removable spring clip having afirst portion, a free end of which is inserted into said slot throughsaid neck with said first clip portion abutting said face at a firstpoint spaced from said neck in a direction away from said slot to cantsaid free end under said neck to thereby removably engage said firstclip portion in said keeper means, said clip further having an integralsecond clip portion to engage said object at said other surface and anintegral third clip portion intermediate said first and second clipportions and wherein said clip is constructed to provide a spring actionin said clip so that when said clip is stressed with said second clipportion engaged with said object, said spring action urges said secondclip portion against said other surface of said object and keeps saidfirst clip portion canted underneath said neck and locked in said keepermeans.
 2. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the likepresenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposedsides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon toengage one surface of said object and locate the object at a selectedposition relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame andkeeper means on said one side comprising a longitudinal slot in said oneside opening at a restricted neck, said one side having a face extendingfrom adjacent said neck in a direction away from said neck, said frameassembly further comprising at least one removable spring clipinterengaged with said one side and said object to retain said object inplace, said spring clip having a first portion, a free end of which isinserted into said groove through said neck with said first clip portionabutting said face at a first poInt spaced from said neck in a directionaway from said slot to cant said free end under said neck to therebyremovably engage said first clip portion in said keeper means, said clipfurther having an integral second clip portion engaging said object atsaid other surface and an integral third clip portion intermediate saidfirst and second clip portions that is stressed by engagement of saidsecond clip portion with said object to develop a spring action in saidclip that urges said second clip portion against said other surface ofsaid object and keeps said first clip portion canted underneath saidneck and locked in said keeper means.
 3. The assembly set forth in claim2 wherein said clip has an elbow spaced from said free end and disposedoutside said slot and said first clip portion abuts said face at saidfirst point intermediate said free end and said elbow.
 4. The assemblyset forth in claim 3 wherein said first clip portion has a protuberancethereon engaged with said face at said first point of engagement.
 5. Theassembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said first clip portion extendslongitudinally of said one side and wherein said protuberance comprisesa rib which extends longitudinally of said one side.
 6. The frameassembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said protuberance is disposedsubstantially midway between said elbow and said free end.
 7. The frameassembly set forth in claim 4 wherein said first clip portion alsoengages said side at said elbow.
 8. The frame assembly set forth inclaim 2 wherein said clip has an elbow spaced from said free end anddisposed outside said slot adjacent an exterior edge of said one sideand said clip has a straight portion extending inwardly of said framefrom said elbow in a direction substantially perpendicular to said frameand parallel to said other surface.
 9. The frame assembly set forth inclaim 8 wherein said elbow is approximately right angled and saidstraight portion of said clip engages said other surface of said object.10. The frame assembly set forth in claim 2 wherein said clip is returnbent from said first clip portion and has a second free end engagingsaid other side of said object.
 11. The frame assembly set forth inclaim 10 wherein said clip has a generally U-shaped transverse crosssection, said first clip portion comprises a first leg of said U, saidsecond clip portion comprises a second leg of said U and said third clipportion comprises at least part of said first leg, said second leg and abight portion joining said first and second legs.
 12. The frame assemblyset forth in claim 11 wherein said second leg is longer than said firstleg in a direction corresponding to the front-to-rear dimension of saidframe.
 13. The frame assembly set forth in claim 12 wherein said clip isstressed by flecture of said second leg in a direction inwardly of saidframe away from said first leg.
 14. The frame assembly set forth inclaim 11 wherein said first leg and said bight portion are joined at aslightly acute included angle.
 15. The frame assembly set forth in claim14 wherein said second leg and said bight portion are joined at aslightly obtuse included angle.
 16. The frame assembly set forth inclaim 11 wherein said second leg and said bight portion are joined at aslightly obtuse included angle.
 17. The frame assembly set forth inclaim 11 wherein said first leg is substantially straight, said bight issubstantially straight and wherein said second leg is curved outwardlyin a direction away from said first leg.
 18. The frame assembly setforth in claim 2 wherein said one surface of said object is said frontsurface and wherein said abutment means comprises a rib at the front ofsaid one side projecting in a direction rearwardly of said frame andabuting said front surface of said object.
 19. The frame assembly setforth in claim 2 wherein said one surface of said object is said frontsurface and wherein said abutment means comprises a first rib aT thefront of said one side projecting in a direction rearwardly of saidframe and an elongated spacer strip removably fastened on said one sideand disposed between said rib and said front surface of said object soas to mount said object rearwardly of said rib in a shadow box fashion.20. The frame assembly set forth in claim 19 wherein said one side has asecond rib extending longitudinally of said one side, said second ribhaving an integral flange projecting in a direction toward the front ofsaid frame, and wherein said spacer includes grooved means at therearward end of said spacer adapted to hook over said flange and meansalong the front edge of said spacer to releasably engage with said firstrib.
 21. A frame assembly adapted to mount an art object or the likepresenting front and back surfaces comprising a frame having opposedsides with at least one of said sides having abutment means thereon toengage said front surface of said object and locate the object at aselected position relative to the front-to-rear dimension of said frame,said abutment means comprising a first rib at the front of said one sideprojecting in a direction rearwardly of said frame and an elongatedspacer strip removably fastened on said one side and disposed betweensaid rib and said front surface of said object so as to mount saidobject rearwardly of said rib in a shadow box fashion, said frameassembly further comprising at least one removable spring clipinterengaged with said one side and said object to retain said object inplace, said spring clip having a first portion removably engaged in acooperating keeper means on said one side, an integral second clipportion engaging said object at said back surface and an integral thirdclip portion intermediate said first and second clip portions that isstressed by engagement of said second clip portion with said object todevelop a spring action in said clip that keeps said first clip portionlocked in said keeper means and urges said second clip portion againstsaid back surface of said object.
 22. A frame assembly containing an artobject or the like comprising a frame having opposed sides, abutmentmeans on at least one of said sides to locate said object at a selectedposition relative to the front-to-rear dimension of the frame, a slot insaid one side, shoulder means within said slot, and at least oneremovable spring clip interengaged with said one side and with saidobject to retain said object in place, said spring clip having a firstportion inserted into said slot with a free end of said first portionengaged with said shoulder means, said first clip portion alsocontacting said one side at a pivot point spaced from said free end, andmeans for applying a moment force to said first portion about said pivotpoint and in a direction to maintain engagement between said free endand said shoulder means and thereby keep said free end within said slot,said moment applying means comprising a second portion of said clipintegral with said first portion and projecting laterally inwardly ofsaid frame into engagement with said object, said second clip portionbeing resiliently distorted from a normal condition by engagement withsaid object to develop said moment force.